The Nazareth House in Yeoville is inviting the community to come and assist them in any way that they can.
The home was established in 1984 with the objective of serving homeless older people and children in and around Johannesburg.
Over the years, the home has expanded its activities in order to meet the ever increasing needs of the community.
This has placed a heavy financial burden on Nazareth House, which has progressively made it difficult to run.
According to the senior fundraiser, Ms Tenty Thomson, the house’s mission has changed. Today it aims to improve the lives of men, women and children who are unable to care for themselves, including those living with the effects of HIV and Aids.
This is achieved through the provision of comprehensive caring services to abandoned and orphaned HIV positive babies and children, and terminally ill patients in Hospice.
“Due to the present poor and unfavourable economic climate in the country, it has become increasingly difficult to meet some of the above needs. As a result of this situation, many of the projects at Nazareth House are at risk of closure which will be a significant loss, especially to the vulnerable who need these resources. It will have a devastating impact on the communities using these resources.
“We are appealing to the public for financial assistance in carrying out this invaluable and indispensable work done for the poor and needy communities in and around Johannesburg” said Ms Thomson.
The house currently has 100 elderly residents, four of whom are mentally challenged.
A large percentage of residents are financially burdened; many are destitute.
Only a small number of residents receive a state pension.
They need medical and professional services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropody and medicine, including vitamins.
Clothing is also needed.
Nazareth House reaches out to 35 poor, needy and vulnerable HIV positive children in the community, through networking with different organisations.
“Nazereth House has fallen on difficult times and needs all the help it can get. We do host fundraising events but the money is just never enough,” said Ms Thomson.
For more information, contact 011 648-1002/3.
